Sacramento Utility Help Desk for Water, Sewer, Drainage and Bill Pay
Use this guide like a fast service counter: pay the bill, log in, call the right number, report a water/sewer/drain issue, check shutoff risk, apply for bill help, and avoid confusing City Utilities with other Sacramento-area water districts.
Start Here: What Are You Trying to Do?
| User intent | Use this official route | Have ready | Do not miss |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pay bill / login | City Pay Your Utility Bill page | Account number, service address, payment method, balance. | The City says its utility payment website can enroll, make payments, and send messages to customer service. |
| Set up, change, or ask about account | 916-808-5454 or utilitiescs@cityofsacramento.org | Bill copy, account number, ID/name, service address, closing/move date. | Office support hours: Mon-Thu 8 AM-4 PM; Fri 8 AM-11:30 AM, excluding holidays. |
| Water, sewer, or drain service request | Call 311; outside City limits call 916-808-5011 | Exact address, cross street, issue type, photos if safe. | For life safety, crime, fire, or medical emergency, call 911. |
| High bill / possible leak | Use the leak checklist; Water Conservation: 916-808-5605 | Current bill, prior usage, meter/fixture checks, plumber receipt if repaired. | Leak repair rebates may help if rules are met and funds are available. |
| Past due / shutoff concern | Call 916-808-5454 | Notice, balance, payment amount, hardship details. | City policy says accounts more than two months past due may be subject to water shutoff. |
| Water quality concern | Call 311; review Consumer Confidence Report | Which tap, hot/cold/both, color/taste/odor, when it started, neighbors affected. | The City’s Water Quality Lab asks users to answer these details before calling. |
| Bill discount / financial help | City Financial Assistance | SMUD EAPR bill dated within past two months or income documents. | Bill must be in your name and you must live at the serviced property. |
Local warning: “Sacramento water utilities” can mean City of Sacramento Department of Utilities, Sacramento Suburban Water District, Sacramento County Water Agency, or SacSewer. Use the provider name printed on your bill before paying.
Official Sacramento Utilities Contact Details
Customer Service
Phone: 916-808-5454
Email: utilitiescs@cityofsacramento.org
For: accounts, new service, changes, liens, billing, payments, payment arrangements.
Office / Mailing Address
City of Sacramento
Department of Utilities
1395 35th Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95822
Use this address for utility billing mail, rate assistance paperwork, and official Department of Utilities correspondence.
Published Support Hours
Monday-Thursday: 8:00 AM-4:00 PM
Friday: 8:00 AM-11:30 AM
Closed: City holidays.
| Department / need | Official contact | Best use |
|---|---|---|
| Utility billing / account | 916-808-5454 • utilitiescs@cityofsacramento.org | Pay, login help, new account, account changes, liens, payment arrangement. |
| Water conservation | 916-808-5605 • WaterConservation@cityofsacramento.org | Rebates, watering schedule, leak help, conservation questions. |
| Water/sewer/drain service request | Dial 311 | Street flooding, water issue, sewer/drain problem, water misuse, City service requests. |
| 311 outside City limits | 916-808-5011 | Use if 311 does not route correctly from your phone. |
| Sewer / drainage / water facility map requests | maprequest@cityofsacramento.org | Utility map requests for sewer, drainage, or water facilities. |
| Development projects / utility records / meter or tap connections | 916-808-7890 • DOUDevelopmentReview@cityofsacramento.org | Development review, utility records, meter/tap payments, construction utility questions. |
| Flood information hotline | 916-808-5061 • floodinfo@cityofsacramento.org | Flood zone, flood insurance, special flood hazard areas, elevation certificates. |
| News media | 279-759-1528 • DOUPIO@cityofsacramento.org | Media inquiries only, not billing help. |
Pay or Log In: Safe Sacramento Utility Bill Steps
1. Open City page
Start from the official Pay Your Utility Bill page.
2. Check provider
Make sure your bill says City of Sacramento Department of Utilities.
3. Confirm account
Match account number, service address, amount due, and due date.
4. Save proof
Keep confirmation number, receipt, date, amount, and last four digits.
| Payment / login method | What official City pages say | Best for | Searcher mistake to avoid |
|---|---|---|---|
| Online utility billing service | The City says the online service lets customers enroll, make payments, and send messages to customer service. | Most bill-pay and login users. | Do not pay a third-party ad site if it is not linked from the City page or your bill. |
| Sacramento Utilities Mobile Pay App | Official City app features include bill payment, automatic payments, linking multiple accounts, paperless billing, bill/letter history, and SMS notifications. | Phone users who want account alerts and recurring control. | Use the official app link from the City mobile apps page. |
| Automated phone system | City customer service page lists payments by automated phone system. | Users who do not want online login. | Use the City’s official phone route, not a number from a random directory. |
| Representative by phone | City customer service page lists payment over the phone with a customer service representative. | Past-due, arrangement, posting, login issue, or unclear balance. | Call during published support hours. |
| Check / money order / cash | The City accepts alternate payment methods such as check, money order, cash, and bank transfer/home banking. | Users avoiding portal login or card-style payments. | Confirm in-person rules before visiting; never mail cash. |
| Bank transfer / home banking | The City says there is no charge to the customer for alternate payment methods, but incorrect bank information may cause a returned-payment fee. | Bank bill-pay users. | Incorrect bank account information may result in a $25 returned-payment fee. |
Before Paying: Is Your Provider Actually City of Sacramento?
Why this matters: Sacramento has multiple water/sewer providers. Paying the wrong portal can delay posting and create shutoff risk.
| Bill says… | Likely route | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| City of Sacramento Department of Utilities | Use City of Sacramento utility billing and customer service. | Use the links and phone numbers in this guide. |
| Sacramento Suburban Water District | Separate water district, not the City utility bill portal. | Use the SSWD portal printed on that bill. |
| Sacramento County Water Agency | Separate county agency. | Use the county water account/payment route. |
| SacSewer / Sacramento Area Sewer District | Sewer district may provide sewer service in parts of the city/region. | For sewer rate assistance, City pages point users to SacSewer and phone 916-875-5500. |
| Landlord, HOA, apartment, condo, or property manager | Billing may be bundled or sub-metered. | Ask who owns the utility account before opening a City portal account. |
Past Due, Shutoff Warning or Payment Arrangement
Shutoff risk
City service pages say customers more than two months past due on the Utilities bill may be subject to water being turned off.
Call first
Call 916-808-5454 if you are late, cannot pay the current bill, or need a payment arrangement.
Bring proof
Have notice, account number, payment proof, income/hardship details, and exact amount you can pay today.
- Ask the exact amount needed today to avoid shutoff.
- Ask whether your payment method posts immediately or later.
- Ask whether a payment arrangement is available.
- Ask if rate assistance can lower future bills.
- Write down staff name, date, time, and next action.
Water, Sewer, Drain, Street Flooding or Water Misuse: Use 311
Inside City
Dial 311.
Outside City
Call 916-808-5011.
Emergency
Call 911 for life safety, fire, medical, or dangerous emergency.
| Issue | What to report | Photos? | Best wording |
|---|---|---|---|
| Water main break / street leak | Address, cross street, water flow direction, pavement damage. | Only if safe. | “Water is flowing/bubbling from the street at [location].” |
| No water / low pressure | Service address, all taps or one tap, hot/cold/both, start time. | Optional. | “My home has no water/low pressure since [time]. Neighbors are/are not affected.” |
| Sewer backup or drain problem | Fixture/location affected, whether wastewater is present, time started. | If safe. | “Wastewater is backing up at [basement/floor drain/toilet].” |
| Storm drain / flooding | Street, intersection, blocked drain, standing water depth. | Useful if safe. | “Storm drain appears blocked and water is ponding at [intersection].” |
| Water misuse | Address, days/times, pattern, runoff, wrong watering day/time. | Helpful if safe. | “Water is running into the gutter at [address] on [days/times].” |
| Drinking water taste/color/odor | Tap location, hot/cold/both, all faucets or one, neighbors affected. | Clear glass photo helpful. | “Water has [color/odor/taste] at [tap] since [time].” |
Water quality call prep: The City’s lab asks users to think about where the issue is occurring, how long it has happened, whether it is happening now, whether all faucets are affected, whether hot/cold/both are affected, and whether neighbors have the same problem.
Rates, Fees and Bill Lines People Commonly Search
Drinking water
City Utilities provides drinking water to residents and businesses in the city of Sacramento.
Stormwater
The City maintains stormwater infrastructure to reduce flooding and protect waterways from urban pollution.
Wastewater
City pages say wastewater service is provided to more than 75,000 customers in some parts of Sacramento.
| Bill / fee topic | Official detail to know | User action |
|---|---|---|
| Returned payment | Incorrect bank account information may result in a $25 returned-payment fee. | Double-check routing/account numbers before home banking or transfer. |
| Online / phone / representative payment | Customer service page says there is no charge for payments made using listed City methods. | Confirm on the current payment screen before submitting. |
| Residential water flat rate example | Typical 6-9 room flat rate shown as $66.95 from July 1, 2019 through July 1, 2021 table. | Use current rate resource for live billing decisions. |
| Metered water example | 1-inch meter service charge table shows $35.72 and volumetric charge $1.4587 per 100 cubic feet in the latest visible row. | Check whether your account is flat-rate or metered. |
| Wastewater flat rate example | Residential 6-7 room wastewater flat rate shown as $31.65 in the latest visible table row. | Check whether your sewer provider is City or SacSewer. |
| Storm drainage fee | 2022 storm drainage fee helps pay for capital improvements to the City stormwater system. | Property size/type can affect monthly fee. |
| Non-residential stormwater formula | City page shows $0.0016458333 × square feet × impervious surface coefficient. | Commercial users should confirm parcel size and ISC category. |
| 2027 rate adjustments | City Utilities page says Sacramento is proposing drinking water and sewer rate adjustments. | Check the current City rate-adjustment page before publishing exact future rates. |
Official rate pages:
Financial Assistance: Lower the Utility Bill
Who may qualify?
- You pay the City of Sacramento for water, sewer, and garbage services.
- You live at the property receiving the service.
- The City utility bill is in your name.
- You meet income rules or participate in SMUD’s Energy Assistance Program Rate.
What to attach
- SMUD bill showing Energy Assistance Program Rate, dated within the past two months; or
- Income documentation for all adults living at the service address.
- Completed online or printable application.
Where to mail
City of Sacramento
Department of Utilities Sacramento
Utility Rate Assistance
1395 35th Avenue
Sacramento, CA 95822
Questions: 916-808-5454
Sewer rate assistance: City pages say Sacramento residents may also qualify for SacSewer rate assistance. Call 916-875-5500 or visit SacSewer’s rate assistance page.
High Bill or Leak: What to Check Before Calling
Toilets
Silent toilet leaks can waste water continuously. Use dye test or listen for refilling.
Irrigation
Check broken heads, overspray, runoff, controller settings, and wrong watering day/time.
Meter / usage
Compare current bill to prior period and seasonal use.
Rebate possibility
Leak repair reimbursement may be up to $250 or $500 depending on verified leak size.
| Rebate / conservation help | Official amount or rule | Do this before spending |
|---|---|---|
| Leak repair assistance | Up to $250 if confirmed pressurized leak is less than 25 gallons/hour; up to $500 if 25 gallons/hour or larger. | Apply and have the leak verified before repair when the program requires it; keep receipts and proof of payment. |
| Toilet replacement | Up to $175 to replace a pre-1992 toilet with an ultra-high-efficiency MaP Premium toilet rated 1.1 gallons per flush or less. | Check approved toilet list and schedule pre-inspection by calling 916-808-5605. |
| Grass conversion | Single-family customers: up to $3,000 at $1.50 per square foot; design rebate up to $200 for front yard landscape. | Get City approval and pre-inspection before starting. Completed projects are not eligible. |
| Multi-family / commercial landscape rebate | Up to $50,000 for eligible grass conversion, irrigation upgrades, or combination. | Get approval first and follow project rules. |
| Rain barrel | $0.75 per gallon of storage capacity, up to $150. | Wait for approval, complete project, submit receipts/photos within required time, and schedule post-inspection. |
| Business indoor rebates | Examples include pre-rinse spray valves up to $75, ice machines up to $300, cooling tower controllers up to $500, and custom rebates up to $50,000. | Call Water Conservation before applying to schedule a free business consultation/audit. |
Sacramento Watering Schedule and Fines
March 1-Oct. 31
Even addresses: Wednesday and Sunday.
Odd addresses: Tuesday and Saturday.
Time: before 10 AM and/or after 7 PM.
Nov. 1-Feb. 28
Watering is allowed one day per week, Saturday or Sunday, any time of day.
No weekday watering.
Always banned
No wasting water: runoff to sidewalks/gutters, ponding, wrong day/time, or over-watering.
No watering within 48 hours after one-eighth inch of rain.
| Violation level | Fine / result | How to avoid it |
|---|---|---|
| First notice | Written notice; no fine issued. | Fix timer, sprinkler direction, leak/runoff immediately. |
| Second notice within 365 days | $25 fine, which may be waived by participating in a Water Conservation program. | Ask Water Conservation what qualifies for waiver. |
| Third notice within 365 days | $100 fine. | Document repairs, timer changes, and irrigation inspection. |
| Fourth and each later notice within 365 days | $500 fine. | Call for help before repeated violations continue. |
Exemptions listed by the City include: drip irrigation, soaker hoses, hose with spray nozzle, validated smart controllers, potted plants, edible gardens, new landscaping for up to 30 days, and two or more consecutive days above 100°F. For a variance, email waterconservation@cityofsacramento.org or call 916-808-5605.
Water Quality: Source, Report, Lead and Taste/Odor Help
2026 report
The current City Consumer Confidence Report was published June 1, 2026 and summarizes detected water quality results for 2025.
Water sources
About 80% of City water comes from the American and Sacramento rivers; about 20% comes from groundwater wells.
Treatment system
Surface water is treated at E.A. Fairbairn and Sacramento River Water Treatment plants, then travels through about 1,500 miles of pipe.
| Question | Official-source answer | What user should do |
|---|---|---|
| Does Sacramento water meet standards? | The 2025 Consumer Confidence Report says City water meets or exceeds federal and state drinking water standards. | Use the current CCR for annual results and call 311 for local water-quality concerns. |
| How often is water tested? | City pages say routine testing is performed for more than 100 substances. | Check CCR tables for detected contaminants and reporting notes. |
| Lead service lines? | The 2025 CCR says the City completed a systemwide service line inventory in 2024 and confirmed no lead service lines or galvanized service lines requiring replacement within the City service area. | If concerned about home plumbing, ask about testing and flush tap water after sitting. |
| Lead exposure reduction | CCR recommends flushing taps for 30 seconds to 2 minutes after water sits for several hours. | Use cold water for drinking/cooking and contact 311 or EPA hotline if concerned. |
| Earthy/musty taste? | CCR explains late-summer earthy taste can come from geosmin and 2-methylisoborneol; it may be unpleasant but does not impact safety. | Call 311 if taste/odor changes suddenly or affects all taps. |
| Algal toxins? | CCR says the City voluntarily monitors microcystins and cylindrospermopsin during certain seasons; none were detected in routine monitoring in 2025. | Use the current annual report for updated seasonal monitoring. |
| EPA hotline | EPA Safe Drinking Water Hotline: 1-800-426-4791. | Use for health questions about contaminants and drinking water rules. |
Stormwater, Flooding and Drainage Help
Report flooding
Call 311 for flooding, clogged drains, or water seepage concerns along levees.
Flood info hotline
Emergency
Flood information contacts do not provide emergency services. Call 911 in an emergency.
| Need | Use this route | Why it matters locally |
|---|---|---|
| Flood zone / insurance question | Flood hotline: 916-808-5061 | Sacramento is heavily dependent on levees, and any property can still have flood risk. |
| Natomas Basin / A99 zone | Flood Construction Requirements page or floodinfo email. | New FEMA A99 rules took effect July 1, 2024 for Natomas Basin construction/improvement projects. |
| Storm drain blocked | Call 311. | Blocked drains can worsen street flooding during heavy rain. |
| Flood insurance information | FloodSmart.gov or NFIP hotline 800-427-4661. | City strongly encourages property owners and renters to consider flood insurance. |
Sewer Clogs: What Not to Flush or Pour
Do not flush
- Personal wipes, even if labeled flushable.
- Paper towels, rags, diapers, feminine products.
- Grease-soaked items.
Do not pour
- Cooking fat, oil, or grease down sinks.
- Household chemicals into storm drains.
- Pesticides, fertilizers, or solvents into gutters.
Useful wording for 311: “My sewer drain is backing up at [fixture/location]. I stopped using water. It started at [time]. Please advise whether this is a City service issue or private lateral issue.”
Utility Scams: Quick Safety Checks Before You Pay
Pressure call?
Hang up and call the official billing number: 916-808-5454.
Wrong portal?
Start from the City’s official utility bill page or the exact URL printed on your bill.
Proof matters
Save confirmation number, receipt, staff name, date, and time.
- Do not use a payment link from an unknown text or email.
- Do not pay by gift card, cryptocurrency, or wire request from a caller.
- Verify shutoff notices directly with City Utilities before paying.
- Use your latest City bill to compare account number and service address.
Map: City of Sacramento Department of Utilities
Use this map for the Department of Utilities address at 1395 35th Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95822. Confirm visit rules before going because many account actions can be handled online or by phone.
| Location / contact | Address / number | Use for |
|---|---|---|
| Department of Utilities | 1395 35th Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95822 | Utility billing mail, customer service visit, assistance paperwork. |
| Utility billing phone | 916-808-5454 | Bill pay, login, account setup/change, liens, arrangements. |
| Water Conservation | 916-808-5605 | Rebates, watering schedule, water waste, leak conservation help. |
| Development utilities review | 916-808-7890 | Development, tap/meter connections, utility records. |
| 311 | 311 or 916-808-5011 outside City limits | Water/sewer/drain service requests, flooding reports, water misuse reports. |
| Flood hotline | 916-808-5061 | Flood zones, elevation certificates, flood insurance information. |
Sacramento Water Utilities FAQ
What is the Sacramento Utilities bill pay phone number?
Call City of Sacramento Department of Utilities customer service at 916-808-5454 for utility billing, payments, account setup, account changes, liens, and payment arrangement questions.
Where do I log in to pay my City of Sacramento utility bill?
Start from the official City “Pay Your Utility Bill” page. The City says its utility billing service lets customers enroll, make payments, and send messages to customer service.
What is the Sacramento Department of Utilities address?
The official Department of Utilities mailing/office address is 1395 35th Avenue, Sacramento, CA 95822.
What are Sacramento utilities customer service hours?
Published support hours are Monday through Thursday from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM and Friday from 8:00 AM to 11:30 AM, excluding holidays.
Is there a fee to pay a Sacramento utility bill?
The City customer service page says there is no charge for payments made through listed City methods. However, inaccurate bank account information may result in a $25 returned-payment fee.
Who do I call for water, sewer, or drain problems?
Call 311 for City water, sewer, and drain service requests. If calling from outside City limits, use 916-808-5011. For life safety emergencies, call 911.
Can my Sacramento water be shut off for nonpayment?
City service pages say customers more than two months past due on their Utilities bill may be subject to water service termination. Call 916-808-5454 if you are late or need a payment arrangement.
How do I apply for Sacramento utility rate assistance?
Use the City Financial Assistance page. You may qualify if you pay the City for water, sewer and garbage, live at the serviced property, have the bill in your name, and meet income requirements or participate in SMUD’s Energy Assistance Program Rate.
What is Sacramento’s watering schedule?
From March 1 through October 31, even-numbered addresses may water Wednesday and Sunday; odd-numbered addresses may water Tuesday and Saturday, before 10 AM and/or after 7 PM. From November 1 through February 28, watering is allowed one day per week on Saturday or Sunday.
How do I report water misuse in Sacramento?
Report water misuse by calling 311, calling 916-808-5011 from outside City limits, emailing 311@cityofsacramento.org, using the 311 website, or using the Sacramento 311 app. Include address, days/times, and watering pattern.
Where does Sacramento drinking water come from?
City water quality materials say about 80% of Sacramento’s water supply comes from the American and Sacramento rivers and about 20% comes from groundwater wells.
Does Sacramento drinking water meet standards?
The City’s 2025 Consumer Confidence Report, published June 1, 2026, says Sacramento drinking water meets or exceeds federal and state drinking water standards.
Does Sacramento have lead service lines?
The 2025 Consumer Confidence Report says the City completed a systemwide service line inventory in 2024 and confirmed there are no lead service lines or galvanized service lines requiring replacement within the City’s service area.
What rebates can Sacramento water customers use?
City rebates include leak repair assistance, toilet rebates up to $175, grass conversion up to $3,000 for single-family customers, rain barrels up to $150, and larger business/multi-family rebates where eligible and funded.
Is this the official Sacramento utilities website?
No. This is an informational guide. Confirm live balance, payment posting, rates, shutoff notices, rebates, and account-specific instructions with official City of Sacramento Department of Utilities sources.
30-Second Sacramento Utilities Checklist
Pay/login: official City pay page → verify provider → match account/service address → save confirmation.
Call billing: 916-808-5454, Mon-Thu 8 AM-4 PM and Fri 8 AM-11:30 AM.
Report issue: 311 for water, sewer, drain, flooding, or water misuse; 916-808-5011 outside City limits.
Past due: call before paying if more than one bill cycle late or if shutoff notice is involved.
Save money: check rate assistance, leak repair rebate, toilet rebate, grass conversion, rain barrel, and watering schedule rules.